Playtech signs software licensing agreement with COPA

The contract was signed in conjunction with an ancillary services agreement between COPA and Sciplay, Playtech's joint venture with Scientific Games Corporation. The contracts were awarded following a competitive selection process.

California is currently considering legislation that would allow legal operation of intrastate, internet poker. In advance of such legislation, these agreements with Playtech and Sciplay will enable COPA to offer internet poker in a 'play for fun' mode, which provides players with the opportunity to improve their strategies and hone their skills for free. This is planned for launch in 2011.

Robert Martin, chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and a member of the COPA board of managers, commented: "It has been estimated that Californians wager more than US$ 13n a year on illegal, offshore internet poker websites. Our mission is to provide California players with a safe and secure option to play poker legally on the Internet.

"On behalf of all of COPA's trusted gaming partners, both tribes and card rooms alike, we are very pleased to enter these agreements with Playtech for the software and with Sciplay to deliver a full ancillary service solution."

Haig Papaian, president and CEO of Commerce Casino and a member of the COPA board of managers, said: "We sought a best-in-class technology partner for COPA and Playtech was the clear winner for the provision of poker software.

"Together with the services from Sciplay, this delivers the perfect combination of Playtech's state-of-the-art, industry-leading gaming software and online experience, with Scientific Games' nearly 40 years of expertise in providing secure, regulated, compliant-compatible services and meeting strict protocols of domestic and international regulatory bodies."

Mor Weizer, CEO of Playtech, commented: "We are very excited by the opportunities these contracts bring to Playtech and are proud to be part of COPA's progressive efforts in California to serve the needs of poker players throughout the state. “

"COPA is supremely well positioned to become a licensed operator should Internet poker become legal in the state of California and Playtech is delighted to have the opportunity to work with them, both for the provision of software and also through our Sciplay joint venture," he concluded.